Government Affairs Committee

Government Affairs Committee

For thirty years the Bay Planning Coalition has advocated for an economic and science-based approach to regulatory policy in the San Francisco Bay and Delta.

In line with the Bay Planning Coalition’s mission of working through a broad coalition, to advocate for sustainable commerce, industry, infrastructure, recreation and the natural environment connected to the San Francisco Bay and its watershed, the Bay Planning Coalition Government Affairs Committee will examine developments in Federal, state, regional and local public policy related to energy, environment, dredging, infrastructure, taxation, trade, transportation, water, and other issues related to BPC’s mission and vision and strategic priorities. The greater San Francisco Bay region is ranked as the 17th biggest economy in the world, with a GDP of $ 828 billion, and our Ports, Airports, Rail lines and Highways import and export billions of dollars worth of goods, providing thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue to our economy. The Government Affairs Committee will work to improve our economic and competitive advantage to grow and attract new business opportunities, and will work to enhance the movement of goods through our Region.

The Committee will support the Executive Director and BPC staff in monitoring decision making from legislative to regulatory rule making at all levels of the government, and will strive to proactively form positions on Policy issues as opportunities arise or are deemed required, and be critical and disciplined in the selection of which issues to weigh in on.

Policy positions will be supported by careful research, and decisions will be based on sound planning, economic and scientific support.

The Committee will also be tasked with developing the principles by which BPC is going to engage in taking positions, and when it is and is not appropriate for BPC to take a position on a matter of law, an individual project, or other issues.

The Committee will meet as needed to discuss BPC’s best course of action as potential policy issues arise, and will make recommendations to the Executive Committee or full board when positions are suggested.

BPC has worked hard to build and maintain collaborative and productive relationships with the governmental and regulatory agencies across our region and state, including BCDC, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA, NOAA, NMFS, DMMO, the Regional and State Water Boards, as well as members of the California Congress and Legislature. The work of the Legislative and Policy Committee will allow BPC to expand its reach and impact in advocating for policies that benefit its members and work toward the realization of its mission.

Committee Chair: Peter Dahling, Marathon Petroleum

If you are interested in participating in the Government Affairs Committee or have other questions associated with this committee, please contact Emily Loper.

BPC Mission

The mission of the Bay Planning Coalition is to provide expert advocacy and facilitation to advance a strong industrial economy that supports a sustainable environment within San Francisco Bay and its watershed.